Academics
Gesu School prioritizes holistic learning in a range of subjects and for remedial to advanced students. Gesu follows the elementary curriculum of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Our curriculum provides a framework in the academic areas of religion, English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Teachers use their creativity and training to implement instruction in ways that accommodate students’ different learning styles. Below is a description of each curriculum area. In addition to these core subjects, Gesu offers a soft skills curriculum, arts education, after-school enrichment, athletics, and a wide array of resources and partnerships to enhance students' learning and nurture their well-being.
Religion
The religion curriculum approved for use in Archdiocesan Elementary Schools is founded in the National Directory for Catechesis from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. The Office of Catholic Education collaborates with the Office of Catechetical Formation in developing curriculum and assessments for elementary students. Teachers use a variety of resources in preparing religion lessons. Religious values permeate all areas of the curriculum and are key components of interdisciplinary learning. The Christ Our Life curriculum (Loyola Press) is used in Grades Pre-K - 8.
Gesu prepares students for their reception of the sacraments of Initiation, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation, but children will receive these sacraments at their home parishes in the loving environment of their worshiping community. Parents are asked to notify the school after their child has received these sacraments.
English Language Arts
The English Language Arts Curriculum (ELA) reflects the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards. expression, and metacognitive awareness. English Language Arts includes instruction in reading, writing, vocabulary, phonics, spelling, grammar, cursive handwriting, and library/reference skills. Students will be exposed to a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts through curriculum and novels. Language skills are integrated across the curriculum.
-
In Pre-K, Frog Street is used for (ELA and Math Curriculum). Kindergarten uses Wonders. Grades 1-6 use the Journeys Reading Program (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). Grades 7-8 uses Collections (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt).
-
Vocabulary Workshop (Loyola Press) is used in grades 3-8.
-
Fiction and non-fiction books/novels are also used with students in every grade level.
-
In grades K-6, Zaner-Bloser Curriculum is used for handwriting.
Advanced Writing Classes
Gesu offers an advanced writing program for students in grades 1-8. Students meet daily. Students are selected based on their report card assessment, teacher recommendation and a writing entry.
Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum reflects the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards and emphasis is given to the Mathematical practices of problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, precision, constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others, modeling, using appropriate tools strategically, and looking for and making use of structure.
The Sadlier math curriculum (Sadlier) is used in grades K-8. Pre-K uses the Frog Street Program.
The Sadlier math curriculum (Sadlier) is used in grades K-8. Pre-K uses the Frog Street Program.
Advanced Math Classes
Gesu offers an advanced math program for students in grades 6-8. Students are taught an accelerated curriculum and meet daily. Eighth grade students learn Algebra 1. Students are selected based on their Terra Nova standardized test performance, report card assessment, and teacher recommendation.
Science
The science curriculum reflects the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards. These standards closely align science content to literacy skills and mathematics problem-solving, and demonstrate hands-on learning in STEM. Students in grades 2-8 use Fusion (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). Lab Learner is used in Pre-K - 8. Science instruction serves as a catalyst for many project-based learning initiatives. Lab experiences and development of process skills become areas of focus throughout the progression of grade levels.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum reflects the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards. These standards include culture; time, continuity, and change; communities, people, places, and environments; individual development and identity; individuals, groups, and institutions; power, authority, and governance; production, distribution, and consumption; science, technology, and society; global connections; and civic ideals and practices. Students at every level will learn important civic topics and documents, as well as patriotic songs.
Students in grades Pre-K - 1 use a collection of resources and methods that explore a range of themes related to families and communities, including U.S. leaders, symbols, events, and holidays. Students in grades 2-3 use KIDS Discover (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt). Students in grades 4-8 use Penns Valley Publishers curriculum. Students in grades 7-8 use online U.S History (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) curriculum.
Resource and support classes serve students who are diagnosed with a reading disability. Remedial math services are provided by a Title 1 Math Specialist from Catapult Learning Services.
Special Curriculum Classes
Art, music, Spanish, physical education (gym) and library are included in weekly instruction from grades Pre-K - 8.
Spanish
Grades Pre-K - 8 use Carson Dellosa Education curriculum.
Library
The school library houses a collection of over 5,000 searchable items through a web-based catalog. The school library and media center are used for student research, project-based learning, and collabortive space for all grade levels and subject areas.
Recess
We value opportunities for students to play and socialize. All students in grades Pre-K - 8 have recess daily (unless issues with inclement weather or conduct arise) on Gesu's outdoor rooftop space. Middle school students often use their recess time as an opportunity to meet with teachers individually about homework, assignments, and projects. Recess is approximately 20 minutes. After recess, students transition to lunch in the cafeteria.
Grades Pre-K - 2
Recess: 11:30AM-11:50AM Lunch: 11:50AM- 12:15PM
Grades 3-5
Recess: 12:00PM-12:20PM Lunch: 12:20PM- 12:45PM
Grades 6-8
Recess: 12:30PM- 12:50PM Lunch: 12:50-1:15PM
**Schedule Subject to Change**
Single Hero
